5 Wine Cocktails for the Summer Heat

Record high temperatures are easier to beat when you're inside downing these chilled wine drinks. If you came here for a red wine and coke situation, this isn't some sloppy Tik-Tok account. We are giving sophisticated sips worthy of gracing the gloved hands of maybe a Bridgerton character. Check out the 5 wine cocktail recipes below that have proven themselves easy to make even if you're already tipsy. Pro Tip: stick your glass in the fridge an hour in advance so it's nice and frosty when you're ready to drink!

The French 75...a la Elise

One of my personal favorites, this has the class of champagne but the buzz of gin...literally! Tradition calls for Champagne, but I would buy the lowest tier available since you're mixing it anyway. You can also use prosecco or Cava.

Directions: Shake together some gin and fresh lemon juice with ice. Strain into stemmed glass of choice (I like flutes to keep it bubbly). Top with a dry sparkling white wine and lemon twist or wheel. I add my own spin with a few lightly- crushed, fresh thyme springs, because it smells and tastes FANTASTIC.

The Hugo Spritz

If I had to explain my entire summer in one glass, it would be this one: a popular Italian aperitivo I once sipped on a balcony overlooking Florence. You can also grow mint super easily and make it a fun evening ritual to go out and pick it fresh from your garden. Watch me make one HERE.

Directions: Add a handful of ice and fresh mint to a large glass. Pour in a dash or two of elderflower liqueur like St. Germain. Now add your Prosecco of choice, a lime wedge, and a topping of sparkling mineral water like Pellegrino (the Italians frown on club soda). Stir with a straw and enjoy with salty snacks.

The Georgia Peach Bellini

This beautiful cocktail- invented in Venice by a fan of the eponymous Renaissance artist- normally calls for white peaches. As a Georgia native currently in the throes of peach season, I highly recommend a big yellow peach from my home state if you can get it. If it is really hot and balmy outside, either blend with some ice or use frozen peaches.

Directions: Add peeled peaches (or unpeeled because peeling is the actual worst) to a blender and blend until smooth. Add desired amount to a wine glass or flute, and top with Prosecco. Cin cin!

Red Wine Berry Sangria

Sangria is an excellent way to use fruit and wine you already have on hand. Traditionally, I wouldn't say that Spaniards add berries to this recipe, but summer almost demands it. You can also adjust the type of fruit for other seasons easily.

Directions: Choose a bottle of red wine that you like and isn't too expensive. A Rioja Crianza or other Tempranillo-Garnacha blend are great options. Add to a big, ice-filled pitcher. Next, add slices of oranges, limes, or lemons, apples, and your freshest berries. Throw in a cinnamon stick like they do in Spain. Stir in a few shots of brandy or orange liqueur like Gran Marnier. Sweeten with simple syrup if you like. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Strawberry Rosé Granita

Alright, let's call a spade a spade: this is just frosé with a fancy name. You can use so many types of fruit, too. Watermelon is delicious with rosé, I have found.

Directions: Soak a few cartons of fresh sliced strawberries in a fruity liqueur like Framboise or Chambord (or generic brand because money doesn't grow on trees) for 30 minutes. Throw them in a blender with a bottle of your favorite rosé and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Pour into a shallow baking dish and freeze until slushy.

Hopefully this alleviates some of the work it takes to find new things to try amidst the sweaty summer boredom!

Questions? Just drop me a comment here or shoot me an email at info@winewithelise.com concerning these recipes or anything else wine-related I can help with!

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